Pharmacists who were among the first to take part in the Queensland scope pilot have told us why they wanted to be part of the program.
Many say they want to be ‘pioneers’ while others have said they just want to overcome the frustrations they have experienced in the past by not being able to do more for their patients.
MacKay Pharmacist Glen Clark, who’s been training for the pilot is one of those who was frustrated at not being able to use his full scope of practice.
“Over the 15 years I’ve been involved in pharmacy, I’ve had plenty of experiences with patients where I have been frustrated by our limitations in being able to help deal with the basic ailments they were presenting,” he said.
Matthew Calanna of Cairns says it’s the patients who will truly benefit.
“The opportunity to be part of the first cohort of pharmacists (the pioneers) to be able to prescribe and increase the industry scope of practice was my main motivation,” he said.
“The increased scope will be of such benefit to the community and I wanted to be part of that.”
Cate Whalan from Townville also told of her frustration in the past at not being able to do more.
“The biggest motivator is the opportunity to resolve a lot of frustrations when I have to refer patients and delay their treatment, which increases their distress, when I know the answer is within my capability and clinically sound and safe,” she said.
The first tranche of pharmacists due to complete their training have also given their feedback about the education process through James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and facilitated by the Australasian College of Pharmacy.
All of the pharmacists we’ve spoken to have said their experience with the education and training has been positive.
“I haven’t studied something this intensive for some time so that takes some adjustment. Learning new skills particularly with diagnosis has been great but a new world for pharmacists,” Matthew Calanna said.
“The program has been teaching us to be more symptom-based with our treatment options, which allows us to select medication best suited to treat what they are presenting with, rather than just filling the prescription,” said Glen Clark.
And all agree that it is only a matter of time before other states follow Queensland’s lead when it comes to scope of practice.
“This has already happened with the UTI pilot program, which was another program trialled and very successful in north Queensland,” said Matthew Calanna.
“There is clear evidence the approach is being, or will be, replicated in other states. The other states jumping on board validates my decision to invest in training,” said Cate Whalan.
The first occasions of service are expected to occur in March this year.
Pharmacists training for the Qld scope pilot, from left to right: Glen Clark, Laura Philip, Atlanta Knuth, Cate Whalan, Katelyn Cameron, Olivia Seri and Michael Hedlefs
